Axel's take on North Myrtle Beach & Barefoot Landing: #6 of 7 in Myrtle Beach, 4.7/10
Pair relaxed beach days with Barefoot Landing's restaurants and shows. Appealing beach-and-show character and solid hotels cannot overcome weak central access, sparse doorstep options and the lowest value score.
Windy Hill and the southern North Myrtle Beach shore suit travelers who want beach days without making downtown Myrtle Beach their daily backdrop. Across U.S. 17, Barefoot Landing adds waterfront restaurants, shops and entertainment, with Alabama Theatre and House of Blues giving evenings a clear focus beyond the sand.
Treat the oceanfront and Barefoot Landing as separate outings, not one seamless pedestrian district. Central Myrtle Beach sightseeing adds another drive. U.S. 17 intersection improvements near Windy Hill began in September 2026, with overnight disruption possible until anticipated completion in June 2027. Skip it if frequent Boardwalk visits or a car-free itinerary are priorities.
- Best for: families, luxury travelers, museums and culture, shopping
- Skip it if: You want frequent downtown visits; You expect to walk everywhere
- Getting around: Route 17 calls at Barefoot Landing; the beach and shopping district need separate planning; from MYR, transfer from Route 7 to Route 17 downtown or take a taxi/rental car.
- After dark: Barefoot Landing draws dinner and show crowds; the beach-focused surroundings offer a calmer alternative to downtown Myrtle Beach's strip.
- Rates: Typical Axel rate $169 a night
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach: every neighborhood ranked
The best hotels in North Myrtle Beach & Barefoot Landing, ranked by Axel's take
Each hotel scored for what it is by Axel's own review; the rate is one stay Axel priced this week, beside the public rate for the same dates.
- Club Wyndham Westwinds 8.7/10, mid-range beachfront timeshare condo resort. A strong beach-condo choice, with sales pitches and upcoming pool closures to consider.
- Avista Resort 8.6/10, mid-range, oceanfront condo resort in North Myrtle Beach. A strong family beach pick, with roomy condos and a busy pool scene.
- Club Wyndham Towers on the Grove 8.2/10, mid-range beachfront timeshare condo resort in Cherry Grove. A strong beachfront pick for self-catering stays, but choose your unit carefully.
- North Beach Resort & Villas 8.1/10, upscale 4-star condo-and-villa beach resort in North Myrtle Beach. A strong family resort for space and pools, but check construction before booking. $176 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate
- Courtyard by Marriott Myrtle Beach Barefoot Landing 7.9/10, practical 3-star chain hotel near Barefoot Landing, not on the beach. A convenient Barefoot Landing base with friendly staff, but rooms still show wear.
- Best Western Ocean Sands Beach Resort 7.6/10, simple 3-star beachfront hotel in North Myrtle Beach. A good beach-first choice, with friendly staff doing more to impress than the rooms.
- Ocean Creek Resort 7.4/10, sprawling 3-star beachfront condo resort with variable-quality units. Good for family beach time, but choose your condo carefully.
- Beach Cove Resort 7.4/10, casual 3-star oceanfront condo resort in North Myrtle Beach. Beachfront family fun is the draw; uneven condo condition is the catch.
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham North Myrtle Beach 7.2/10, no-frills, pet-friendly budget hotel off Highway 17. Friendly staff make this a workable budget base, but room upkeep is uneven.